Új Koma Háló Network

What is the Új Koma Háló Network?

It is a network of local eco-communities. Communities that on the one hand work for an ecological alternative lifestyle themselves, and on the other hand participate in the public affairs of their hometown in order to make this new lifestyle attractive for a wider audience. Such communities may form in places of any size, from tiny villages to major cities. The main goal of the Small Communities Programme is to have more and more such communities in the Carpathian Basin.

What is the goal of the Új Koma Háló Network?

First, that by belonging to this network the eco-communities themselves be able to support each other and that they have the constant feeling of not being alone in Hungary. Second, that members of the Small Communities Programme can efficiently support these initiatives with their knowledge, experience, networks, or even just a few inspiring words.

When did it start?

The Új Koma Háló Network was founded in August 2018 with five local eco-communities, on the initiative of the Small Communities Programme. The number of member communities have been continuously rising since.

How does it work?

We organize personal meetups for members of the Új Koma Háló Network twice a year, always in the hometown of a different community. These meetings are where newly joining initiatives present themselves and where older members report on the events of the past half year. At each meeting we discuss a specific topic important for the communities (such as livelihood, or relationship with the local government), but there is also opportunity for unstructured discussions. Between the semi-annual meetings we keep in touch through our mailing list, and also occasionally by online meetings and personal consultations.

What is the name about?

The name ‘Koma’ comes from an old type of social bond practiced in the traditional peasant communities of the Carpathian Basin that lies outside of familiar relations and was meant to strengthen the ties of the community. By adding ‘Új’, new in Hungarian, we mean to show that our goal is not being lost in past glories, but to revive old institutions to meet the needs of today – while keeping some traditions alive.

Which communities are currently part of the Új Koma Háló Network?

By clicking on the icons on the map below you can learn more about the initiatives of the Network.

The introductions of the communities are also available on this page